Hyundai i30 2017 Review | Driver's Seat

We take the all-new third-generation i30 family hatchback for a road test around Cornwall. The family-sized hatchback is a key model for Hyundai as it takes on the class favourites in the form of the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. Entirely designed, developed and tested in Europe, it gets swooping front LED headlights, a strong Infiniti-esq grille and rear lights that are similar in design to the Astra. The i30 is designed to have a comfortable ride which will be complemented by dynamic handling, as well as a wide choice of engines to choose from. With three engines on offer including Hyundai’s new 1.4 T-GDI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which develops 138bhp. Completing the two petrol engine line up is a 1.0-litre T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine developing 118bhp. There's one diesel options on offer, a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder turbo engine 108bhp. All variants come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox while an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox is available. The Golf rival will be available with 15in (steel and alloy), 16in and 17in alloy wheels with twelve exterior paint colours available. The i30 is fitted with emergency braking (Front Collision Warning System) that alerts drivers to emergency situations, braking autonomously if required. Driver attention alert will let you know if you’re driving is becoming fatigued or dangerous. On the inside, you can pick from three trim colours, while there is a floating infotainment screen, which can be upgraded to an 8.0in navigation touch screen. Peter Schreyer, Hyundai’s President and Chief Design Officer commented: “This model showcases an evolution of Hyundai Motor’s design language with natural flowing lines, refined surfaces and a sculpted body to create a timeless appearance. We are also introducing our further developed grille: the Cascading grille.”